Opposing invitation to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for Narendra Modi’s swearing-in as Prime Minister, BJP ally MDMK on Saturday announced a black flag demonstration against the head of the island republic in Delhi on May 26.

MDMK chief Vaiko compared his situation to that of the anti-Hindi agitation launched by DMK under its founder, late C N Annadurai, in 1965, saying the Dravidian veteran had only opposed imposing of Hindi and not the Indian republic. “Similarly, while extending greetings to Narendra Modi for his thumping win and expressing my happiness over the same, I oppose the participation of Rajapaksa who is involved in Tamil genocide. Since its our duty to register our opposition, MDMK under my leadership will hold a black flag demonstration,” against Rajapaksa in Delhi, he said in a statement.

The protest, which was in line with Vaiko’s earlier announcement of opposing any India visit of the Lankan President following his last year’s travel to Sanchi, will be held at Jantar Mantar at 11 AM, he said. A similar protest will be also held in Chennai on the same day, he said.

A staunch supporter of Tamil Eeelam (separate home land for Lankan Tamils), Vaiko had earlier led protestors to oppose Rajapaksa’s visit to Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh last year. Vaiko, who lost in the recent Lok Sabha elections along with six other party nominees contesting as part of the alliance formed by BJP, said it was not proper for Rajapaksa to attend the swearing-in of Modi as “it will spoil the sanctity” of the ceremony.

The MDMK leader, who had personally met Modi and BJP President Rajnath Singh in Delhi on Friday arguing against the Lankan leader’s participation in the May 26 swearing-in, alleged that minority Tamils in Sri Lanka were still facing many difficulties. Terming as a “betrayal” India abstaining from voting in a US-sponsored resolution on human rights violations in a UN body in March this year, Vaiko charged that officials behind such a move were ‘misleading’ Modi in this matter.

Modi's swearing in would be a gala and super g function. The preparations that are taking place are going to be unmatched. But doesn't this indicates pomposity. Modi has started his innings in Delhi by saying that his priorities will be poor centric. His g swearing in ceremony will have government funds spending. Shouldn't the BJP encourage austerity right from the beginning?

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Umesh Kumar

May 25, 2014 at 12:48 pm

People will wait and watch the way Modi government works of Foreign Policy and also the internal policy. The only worry is that if RSS plays a major role and guides Modi to do what it wants then it may not turn out to be so good for the country. We just pray that Modi works with his objective mind on foreign relations and improve the internal condition of the country without having the influence of RSS on his decisions.

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Umesh Kumar

May 25, 2014 at 12:48 pm

Presently after Congress defeat it does not have leaders that can be the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha. They do not have the numbers. Though Congress did not do so bad which has been made out by the people and other interest groups. Lots of development work was done by Congress Delhi govt. On the w in this election Congress did get good number of votes but could not get seats which means that Rahul's leadership was not disastrous as is being brought out.

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Umesh Kumar

May 25, 2014 at 12:48 pm

Sonia hi has always been very protocol conscious. She always gave due position and due respect to PM Manmohan Singh during his tenure. She very gracefully conducted and attended all functions irrespective of her position. By consenting to attend Modi's swearing in ceremony Sonia and Rahul have again displa great maturity that goes beyond the feeling of defeat and victory and jealousy.

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Umesh Kumar

May 25, 2014 at 12:48 pm

With the kind of performance that AAP showed in its government in delhi people were highly disappointed. After loosing badly in the lok sabha elections possibly the leaders themselves have got disappointed with the way things are going on in the party. Congress supported them inspite of their failings. Such mushrooming parties do not have stability and we should have known it before investing our trust in them and handing over power to these seasonal leaders.

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Umesh Kumar

May 25, 2014 at 12:47 pm

With the mive mandate Modi has got an opportunity to rule the country on his own terms as opposed to the shackles of coalition that Congress faced. The people of India now expect Modi to come up to all the promises that he made during his election campaign. Lets see how Modi shapes this government. Hope he remembers his promises and works on them sincerely and democratically. It should not be forgotten that India is not Gujarat.